Indy Design Firm Enters PPE Market
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis-based Avance Design has created and launched its own personal protective equipment face masks for the industrial sector.
The company says its silicone mask is softer, flexible, and more durable than a cloth or paper mask that may not hold up to the wear and tear.
Avance says the pliable mask was created to be more comfortable for long-term use.
“We thought this could fill a need for the manufacturing force. Indiana is a large manufacturing state with a lot of people who need to get back to work and who need to be protected and this could be it,” said Avance Business Development Manager Bill Fletcher.
Several companies are already testing the mask to determine if it is the right fit for their workforces.
“They like the way it fits up around their face. They can make it tight,” said Fletcher. “They like the fact it’s not up against their mouth or nose, so they can actually talk.”
The company typically is involved in helping inventors and businesses by designing prototypes for those companies. But in this case, Avance is keeping the product and manufacturing the PPE.
“It was definitely a big jump for us, but we just kept seeing shortcomings to masks,” said Fletcher. “We also heard lots of complaints about how uncomfortable they are for long-term use, and they also require constant washing to be effective.”
Fletcher said the masks, which appear bulkier than the more common fabric or disposable masks, are designed for long-term wear rather than short shopping or social events.
“Paper masks, you go through three of those a day, that cost starts to add up. Within about a month you can easily pay for one of these masks,” said Fletcher.
Avance printed 3D molds to help speed-up the production of the masks. Taking that approach will also allow it to scale quickly if demand calls for it.
“We do a lot of other manufacturing and industrial products that are made out of silicone for other uses, so we know the material. “
He said while the mask is made of medical-grade silicone, Avance is not pursuing the medical market. Avance is not yet ready to approach the retail market, but the masks are available online.
Founded in 2002, Avance was a finalist for the 2020 Techpoint Mira Service Partner of the Year award.
Avance Business Development Manager Bill Fletcher says there’s a need for this type of durable mask in the manufacturing sector.